Best Restaurants in Cairns City
Looking for the best restaurants in Cairns City? We've gathered 26 standout spots in this corner of Cairns, each ranked by our independent Spot Score so the strongest picks rise to the top. Cairns City has its own character, and the restaurants here reflect it — from neighbourhood favourites locals keep to themselves to places worth a special trip across town. Use the filters to narrow by price, rating, what's open right now and the features that matter to you, then open the map to plan your visit around what else is nearby. We re-check details regularly, so opening hours and information stay current.
Cairns's dining scene spans cuisines from across the world alongside modern Australian cooking that leans on local produce and seafood. Whether you're after a special-occasion table or a relaxed neighbourhood dinner, the list below is ranked so the consistently excellent rises to the top.
26 spots in Cairns City
Hello Harry (The Burger Joint) Cairns
$$Hello Harry (The Burger Joint) Cairns is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 1662 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 68/100.
Dundees on the Waterfront
$$$Steak, seafood and Australian sampler plates with crocodile and kangaroo, served by the waterfront.
Waterbar & Grill Steakhouse
$$Spacious venue with smart modern decor using wood and stone, plus outdoor seating on a timber deck.
Bellocale Italian Seafood Restaurant
Buzzing, modern venue opening out onto the street, for traditional pasta, seafood and mains.
KOI Bar & Restaurant
KOI Bar & Restaurant is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 492 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 66/100.
Vitalia's Italian Restaurant
$$Vitalia's Italian Restaurant is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 1823 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 65/100.
C'est Bon
$$$C'est Bon is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.6-star Google rating from 983 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 65/100.
Ochre Restaurant and Catering
$$$Adventurous menus featuring native game, herbs and seafood, served in a contemporary dining room.
Pistacchi
$$Pistacchi is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.7-star Google rating from 662 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 65/100.
FINN FINN
FINN FINN is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.8-star Google rating from 245 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 64/100.
Piato Mediterranean Restaurant
$$Piato Mediterranean Restaurant is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 1058 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 64/100.
Piccolo Cucina
$$Piccolo Cucina is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.5-star Google rating from 1231 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 64/100.
Howlin' Jay's
$$Howlin' Jay's is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 1421 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 63/100.
Salt House
$$Chic seafront Modern Australian menu with seafood and grill and a lantern-lit bar.
Splash Seafood Restaurant
$$A maritime-themed restaurant run by a local fishing family, with an oyster bar and Coral Sea views.
Bushfire Flame Grill
$$Quirky, laid-back spot for Brazilian-inspired BBQ skewered beef, pork or lamb with variety of sides.
Ozmosis Café Trattoria Bar
$$Ozmosis Café Trattoria Bar is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.3-star Google rating from 1275 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 62/100.
Copper Bar & Grill
Copper Bar & Grill is a restaurant in Cairns City, Cairns. It holds a 4.4-star Google rating from 587 reviews. Our editorial Spot Score is 61/100.
More in Cairns City
Restaurants in other Cairns suburbs
Restaurants in Cairns City — FAQs
What are the best restaurants in Cairns City?+
The restaurants in Cairns City listed here are ranked by our Spot Score — our independent editorial rating out of 100, combining reputation, popularity, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear first.
How many restaurants are there in Cairns City?+
We currently feature 26 restaurants in Cairns City, and we add and re-check venues regularly so the list stays current.
How do I get to Cairns City in Cairns?+
Cairns City is one of Cairns's neighbourhoods — open any venue's page for its exact location, nearby public-transport stops and a map. See our Getting Around guide for tickets and fares.
Do I need to book a restaurant in Cairns?+
For popular and higher-end restaurants, booking ahead is wise — especially Friday and Saturday nights. Many casual spots take walk-ins. Check the venue's own page or website for the latest, as we don't take bookings on your behalf.